Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So, we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 HCSB
I had a dear friend who was a true animal lover. She did her best to care for any animal that came into her path. She befriended a mink who ended up attacking her and sending her to the hospital for treatment which included a rabies shot. She passed away several years ago, but I have many fond memories of time spent with her. She had many animal rescue stories, but one of my favorites was the turtle in the road.
She told me how she was traveling down a busy highway one day when she noticed a turtle crossing the road. Fearing for the turtle’s life, she pulled over onto the side of the highway, waited till the traffic was clear and picked up the turtle. She kindly placed the turtle back on the side of the road from whence it had started. She returned to her vehicle and waited for the traffic to clear once more. As she eased back into the highway, she looked back only to find the turtle back in the road headed to the other side. She pulled back over and repeated the process with the turtle twice more. It finally dawned on her that this turtle was determined to cross the highway. She realized that by picking him up and placing him on the other side of the road she may be able to get him off the highway. She tried this and it worked. The turtle continued on into the ditch on the other side of the road, traveling away from the dangers of the highway. No, I don’t know why the turtle crossed the road, but I’m sure it had it’s reason.
Anyway, I must say that there are times when my life feels just like that turtle. I am doing my best to try to reach a certain point or accomplish a certain goal and then it’s like someone or some thing forces me back. I take two steps forward and ten steps back. Often times those that get in my way are well meaning, but it still delays the accomplishment. When the going gets tough, I pray. I want to be sure that it is God telling me to do this. I don’t want to be deceived.
Our scripture passage begins by telling us not to be deceived. You see the devil will try to lure you to the other side with that whole, “grass is greener” thing. But be very careful my friend. Don’t let the devil deceive you, remember he is the father of all lairs (John 8:44). Pray and stay in God’s word so that you will not be deceived and you will know God’s will for your life. If you are doing what God has called you to do, do not give up. Know that it is not going unnoticed by God and that he will reward you in due time.
Our scripture passage this morning tells us that we will reap what we sow. So, know this, if you are the turtle that is crossing the road to plot evil, God is going to send well meaning people to stop you and put you back on the right path. Also know that if you ignore these people and continue trying to cross the road, that you may be run over. The bible tells us in many scripture passages that the wicked who plot evil will be destroyed. If you are crossing the road to do good, then know that even though obstacles may get in your way or some well meaning good Samaritan pulls you back and you continue to persevere, you will get to the other side.
If you are trying to get across the road, be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. If you are following the path that God has set out for you, don’t allow the devil to stop you. And even though there may be dangers all around you, know that God will protect you and pull you through. Know that he will send someone to rescue you when you get into trouble. When you are doing good, press on. Don’t grow weary, you will reap what you sow if you don’t give up.
Have a great day!